Football fans have cream of the crop on their doorstep

Full credit to the FFA and Football South Coast for giving the A-League All-Stars camp such a community-based focus.

The Illawarra has often missed out on opportunities to see some of the country's best players since losing its spot on the national scene, so the six-day visit later this week looks like a great opportunity to do so.

Not only will the region get to see the best of Australia's local talent, it will also be able to watch some of the A-League's best foreign players.

Their camp includes school and club visits over the weekend and features a coaching lecture with All-Stars coach Josep Gombau - who coached Barcelona's youth academy for more than half a decade - for a special few.

Local fans and players have no excuse not to attend the events scheduled, with nearly all engagements free of charge.

That includes Sunday's open training session before the South Coast Wolves' home match against St George at WIN Stadium and next Tuesday's friendly between the All-Stars and Young Socceroos at the same venue.

Rarely will you find such a great opportunity to see some of the nation's best players in action at no cost.

The addition of the Young Socceroos is another chance to see some of Australia's best up-and-coming stars take it to the A-League's elite.

The All-Stars will start their visit on Friday with a school visit and FSC Sports Dinner at the Villa D'Oro then round up on Tuesday with the Young Socceroos friendly.